Effects of Chokeberry Products on Cardiometabolic Indices in Adults: A Grade-Assessed Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Rcts Publisher



M Karimi MEHDI ; M Javadi MEYSAM ; Sf Hamzavi Seyedeh FATEMEH ; E Barootchi ERFAN ; K Kazemi KIMIA ; S Jahangiri SHARAREH ; O Asbaghi OMID
Source: Nutrire Published:2025

Abstract

Background: Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.) is a fruit rich in polyphenols with potential health benefits. Previous studies suggest that chokeberry may improve metabolic indices, but results have been inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of chokeberry products on key cardiometabolic indices and determine the optimal dosage for maximum benefit. Methods: A comprehensive search of scientific databases through May 2025 identified relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). After study selection and data extraction, a random-effects model was used to calculate overall effect sizes based on weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical analysis was performed using STATA. Results: The pooled analysis of seven RCTs (10 effect sizes) showed that chokeberry consumption did not significantly affect triglycerides (TG) (WMD: 0.99 mg/dL, p = 0.809), total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: –4.62 mg/dL, p = 0.054), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (WMD: –0.63 mg/Dl, p = 0.550), fasting blood sugar (FBS) (WMD: 1.57 mg/dL, p = 0.068), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (WMD: –1.27 mmHg, p = 0.120), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (WMD: 0.52 mmHg, p = 0.355), body weight (WMD: 0.26 kg, p = 0.681), or body mass index (BMI) (WMD: 0.05 kg/m2, p = 0.824). However, a statistically significant reduction was observed in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD: –4.77 mg/dL, p = 0.039). Subgroup analyses showed that chokeberry significantly reduced TC and LDL-C in short-duration trials, with extracted products, and among unhealthy individuals. HDL-C increased in longer trials, with fruit-based interventions, and in healthy participants. FBS decreased with juice and in shorter trials, while BMI significantly declined only in normal-weight individuals. Conclusion: Chokeberry products may offer modest lipid-lowering benefits, which could support cardiovascular health. Although no significant effects were observed on other cardiometabolic indices in the general population, subgroup findings suggest potential benefits in specific groups, such as unhealthy or normal-weight individuals and short-duration interventions. These results indicate that chokeberry could be considered as a complementary dietary component in clinical nutrition, especially for individuals at risk of dyslipidemia. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.